The Ministry of Transportation is reminding northern motorists to get ready for the winter driving season.

The province says now is the time to start getting ready for winter driving in Northern Ontario.

Officials suggest assembling a winter survival kit for your vehicle (including gloves, booster cables, windshield wiper fluid, first aid kit, torch, snow brush, candles, safety vest, and water bottle) and getting a maintenance check-up.

They also say install four winter tires for better traction and braking in winter conditions and a discount on insurance.

Other tips include checking the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling and adjust your driving to the conditions.

Overall, they say stay alert, slow down and stay in control.

 

QUICK FACTS (provided by the MTO)
– Ontario’s roads are among the safest in North America. Winter fatal collisions across the province decreased by 52 per cent from 2002 to 2013.
– Winter tires that are in good condition can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent.
– More than 1,000 snowplows and salt-sand spreaders are used to fight winter storms on provincial highways.
– To meet new service levels Ontario’s maintenance contractors have added 158 pieces of equipment since 2013/14, including 60 pieces in Northern Ontario.